Somersaulting Fikru leads the way for Atletico de Kolkata

The world took note of Fikru TeferraLemessa,when the robust striker chipped India’s best goalkeeper Subrata Paul for the first goal of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Since then, the Ethiopian’s thirst for goals has increased with every passing moment.

A leading light in Atletico de Kolkata’s attacking department, Fikru has captured the ISL audience with his amazing tricks and his somersaulting celebratory flips. A player capable of disposing teams singlehandedly, Fikru is perhaps as clinical as strikers come.

The dynamic forward started his professional career with Adama City and soon became a wanderer in global football. Fikru has played for more than 10 club sides in his illustrious 11-year career. He has plied his trade for the Ethiopian national side on 29 occasions and has also captained the national side in the 2012 CECAFA Cup, the oldest tournament in African football. Fikru has won the Ethiopian Premier League twice and Ethiopian Super Cup once.

A prolific striker with the ability to convert half chances, Fikru perhaps adds a cutting edge to Kolkata’s strike force. In his 12 appearances for the Sourav Ganguly co-owned franchise, Fikru has scored five times, while dishing out two assists and registering13 shots on goal.

A danger lurking in the shadows to collect balls which he slots home with ease, Fikru’s revival could add goal-scoring feathers to Kolkata’s cap. His ability to draw defenders out of their domain, which creates space for teammates such as Luis Garcia, has often been Kolkata’s key link.

A menace in the final third for opposing teams, Fikru’s pace, agile structure and imposing presence is bound to drive fear into the heart of FC Goa’s defence. The Ethiopian has already had some heated matches against Zico’s club, and would look to lead by example and motivate Kolkata, for a win away from home, and a smooth passage to the final.